|
| Ashen Crocodile | |
|---|---|
| |
| skill | 7 |
| stamina | 7 |
| Attacks | 2 |
| Weapon Used | Large Bite |
| Habitat | Lakes, Rivers, Seas |
| Number Encountered | 1-2 |
| Type | Reptile |
| Reaction | Unfriendly |
| Intelligence | Low |
Origins and Distribution
The Ashen Crocodile is a type of Crocodile found in the rivers and waterways of northern Khul. There is no direct reference to it in canon, but there are three excellent reasons for its existence. Firstly, the monstrous Zoalinth created by the wizard Shanzikuul had two Crocodile heads,[1] which were probably obtained from an area near to his lair in the ruined city of Kabesh, such as the Ashen River. Secondly, these heads possess a unique patterned colouration different from all other Crocodiles. Lastly, we know that the Ashen River supports other large predatory reptiles such as the River Python, so a local Crocodile population seems likely as well.
The Ashen Crocodile can found in both the Ashen River and its tributary, the River Bloodsilt. Its range also extends to the waters of Xian Bay and further westwards to Shantak Bay and the Shantak River.[2]
Description
Zoalinth heads, showing the pattern of coloured scales unique to the Ashen Crocodile
Ashen Crocodiles are large reptiles, around three to four metres long. They have four legs with webbed feet, a vertically-flattened tail for propelling them through the water, and long, tooth-filled jaws for catching prey. Ashen Crocodiles are covered in armoured scales that are grey-green in colour. On their heads, a weird pattern of black and white bands radiate out at odd angles along the scaly skin from the central yellow snout.[1]
Special Abilities
Similar to other Crocodiles, Ashen Crocodiles are not so skilled when fighting on land (their skill being reduced by 2 points), but if they can lure or drag their prey into the water to fight, they will prove deadly opponents.[3]
This is represented by making an opponent fighting a Crocodile reduce their Attack Strength by 1 whilst standing waist-deep in water.[4] Alternatively, there are a range of skill modifiers for combat depending on whether the victim is knee-deep in water (-2), waist-deep (-4), up to their neck (-6), or swimming (-8).[5]
Further Notes
The Zoalinth of Shanzikuul with its two Ashen Crocodile heads
- Ashen Crocodiles are known for their voracious appetites, and they spend much of their day swimming in search of fish, or larger prey if they are lucky, visible only as a pair of eyes peeking out above the surface of the water. The rest of the time they will be basking on the shore in the sun. Ashen Crocodiles may be tremendously aggressive, and are not afraid to attack men or other creatures which disturb them.[3]
- The evil wizard Shanzikuul used the heads of two Ashen Crocodiles to create his monstrous Zoalinth.[1]
- Ashen Crocodiles likely exist in a state of competition with other dangerous predators such as the River Python.[6]
See Also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Master of Chaos - 228
- ↑ Non-canon
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Out of the Pit - p.31/??
- ↑ Curse of the Mummy - 48
- ↑ Dungeoneer - p.166
- ↑ Master of Chaos - 36, 132, 151, 162, 221